Public Commitment
Recently I was reading an article about commitment and consistency and it said that "commitments are most effective when they are active [and] public . . . ."
This principle was put to the test recently when I entered the "13 Hours of Santos" Bike Ride in Ocala, which is just what it sounds like: 13 hours in the saddle of a mountain bike. I excitedly told a number of friends about the event, as well as the guys at David's World Cycle Shop in Orlando. But as race day drew nearer, I found two thoughts constantly going through my head. "What did I get myself into?" And, "How do I get myself out?"
Of course you might say, "You don't HAVE to do it, do you?" Well, yes I do. I had made my commitment to this event public, making it harder for me to come up with an excuse to get out of it.
And I'm happy to say, I didn't need one! My pre-race goal was to ride the 8.4 mile loop five times in six hours. However, due to a sore lower back and a hot spot on my right foot, I was only able to complete three. Disappointed? Sure. Satisfied? Most definitely.
Why? Because I followed through with my public commitment. I may not have reached my ultimate goal, but I showed up and participated, just as I promised myself and those around me I would. And that's the most satisfying part of it all.
So the next time you commit to something, make it public.